Kumail Muhammed Almusaly, Curator of Traveling Exhibitions at the King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture (Ithra), has long been passionate about bridging the gap between heritage and contemporary creativity. As the mind behind Crafts in Conversation: A Convergence Between Contemporary and Traditional Art, Kumail has curated a collection that transcends time and borders, showcasing how traditional craftsmanship informs and inspires modern artistic expression. His work celebrates the intricate legacy of Islamic arts and crafts while spotlighting the innovation of contemporary artists from around the globe.
In this interview, Kumail shares insights into his curatorial journey, the narratives woven through the exhibition, and his vision for how art can deepen cultural appreciation and understanding.
What inspired the selection of these specific contemporary artists and their works for this exhibition?
Our inspiration stemmed from the desire to emphasize the ongoing relevance of the dialogue between traditional and contemporary craftsmanship in today’s society. The works featured in this exhibition, all part of Ithra’s collection, span a range of crafts—including embroidery, Qat Asiri (traditional female interior wall decoration), ceramics, mashrabiya (traditional window screens), calligraphy, and printmaking. While these know-hows are typically considered traditional, they have been reinterpreted by contemporary artists. Our idea was to emphasize the contemporary relevance of these crafts, demonstrating how they continue to be vital in modern contexts. By employing traditional techniques passed down through generations, these artists adapt and reinterpret these methods to convey new meanings and reflect their unique identities. The overall concept, therefore, is rooted in the idea of a shared heritage and an ongoing evolution of craftsmanship, where tradition and innovation coexist and enrich one another.
In your curation process, how do you balance preserving the authenticity of traditional art forms while showcasing innovative techniques and materials?
In my curatorial practice, my goal is always to celebrate the authenticity of traditional practices while allowing them to evolve through modern innovations, creating a dialogue between past and present. One does not exclude the other; rather, it is an evolution that preserves the essence of traditional art forms but also ensures that they remain dynamic and adaptable for future generations. This aligns seamlessly with Ithra’s mission of fostering the growth and development of these crafts, integrating global perspectives to ensure their continued relevance and vitality in today’s world.
Could you elaborate on the significance of the traditional artifacts displayed alongside contemporary pieces? How do they help viewers better understand the evolution of Islamic craftsmanship?
The exhibition’s inclusion of traditional artifacts alongside contemporary works serves to highlight the ongoing dialogue between past and present in Islamic craftsmanship. By showcasing contemporary artists who integrate traditional elements into their work, the exhibition creates a conversation – indeed – between different crafts, bridging the gap between historical and modern practices. For example, the work of artist Haji Noor Deen Mi Guangjiang, Bismillah (2009), a scroll that blends traditional Chinese calligraphy with Islamic artistry, demonstrates how cultural and artistic practices can converge and evolve. It not only celebrates the intricate beauty of traditional Chinese calligraphy but also underscores its connection to Islamic art forms, highlighting the fusion of influences that shape contemporary artistic expressions.
By placing contemporary works next to traditional artifacts, the exhibition allows visitors to experience how craftsmanship has evolved and how modern artists are rethinking and revitalizing ancestral techniques.
What message or takeaway do you hope visitors will leave with after experiencing Crafts in Conversation? How does this exhibition align with Ithra’s broader mission?
Crafts in Conversation invites visitors to explore how crafts have been preserved, adapted, and reimagined over time, maintaining their cultural significance while evolving to reflect contemporary artistic expressions. I hope that visitors will engage not only with the beauty of the pieces but also with the intricate techniques behind them, gaining insight into the creative processes that bridge historical and modern artistic practices. This exhibition underscores Ithra’s commitment to fostering innovation while celebrating and preserving cultural heritage for future generations.
